James Bond's Signature Martini Recipes

After many delays, the 25^th James Bond film No Time To Die is finally about to be released on September 30th. The most highly anticipated film release of the year paired with Billie Eilish’s moody theme song, the film’s screenplay was partly created by British favourite Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Bringing back the iconic character of Bond, we reckon it’s time to bring back his favourite cocktail as well – a martini, shaken not stirred.

James Bond famously drinks martinis, always ordering them shaken not stirred. So iconic is the drink order that London’s Barbican even opened a martini bar to celebrate their 2021 007 exhibition. However, Bond originally ordered a very particular martini. In the 1952 book Casino Royale, Ian Fleming’s Bond orders a Vesper Martini, a fictional drink names after a double agent. But gin and vodka martinis were mentioned far more throughout the films.

A vesper martini is unique as it combines both gin and vodka with Kina Lillet. Unfortunately you can’t get Kina Lillet anymore, so it’s substituted with Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth to get the same sweet yet botanical taste.

Bond himself describes the perfect recipe:

'A dry Martini,' he said. 'One. In a deep champagne goblet.'
'Oui, Monsieur.'
'Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large slice of lemon-peel. Got it?'

• 3 ounces gin
• 1 ounce vodka
• ½ ounce Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth
• Lemon peel

Tip – if you use lillet blanc, add about 3 dashes of bitters to keep the same taste.

1. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake thoroughly.
2. Pour into a martini glass and as a twist of lemon peel.

Traditionally, James Bond drinks vodka martinis. Always opting for a classic straightforward vodka martini with a twist of lemon, the signature drink is neat and effortlessly sophisticated. As a strong drink, it might be an acquired taste but it’s easily customised to your liking by adding less or more dry vermouth which has a more floral taste.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• ½ to ¾ dry vermouth depending on your taste
• Lemon twist

Again, add a few dashes of bitters if you like a more aromatic drink

1. Shake up all the ingredients and pour into a martini glass.
2. Cut a thick slice of lemon peel and rub it on the edge of the glass before placing it in the drink.

While Bond traditionally always had a lemon twist in his signature drink, eagle-eyed fans noticed a change in his order in the 2015 Spectre film. In the last Bond film, the character was spotted drinking a dirty martini with olives instead of lemon. If you prefer a more salty, bitter taste, this might be for you.

• 3 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce dry vermouth
• ½ ounce of olive brine
• Olives to garnish

1. Shake up all the ingredients and pour into a martini glass.
2. Garnish with a cocktail stick of olives.

While in the films he’s mostly seen sipping martinis, in the original books by Ian Fleming, the character enjoys a bigger range of drinks.

• Scotch and soda
• Vodka Tonic
• Americano
• Old-Fashioned